Phage-Antibiotic Synergy Review: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Prospects
Jae-Won Lee, Jungmin Kim, Shukho Kim
Abstract
Phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS) is emerging as a promising strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.This review explores the mechanisms, applications, and future prospects of PAS by analyzing relevant studies focused on its effectiveness against 13 bacterial species, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Escherichia coli.PAS enhances bacterial clearance through mechanisms such as antibiotic resensitization, biofilm disruption, and reducing bacterial virulence.It also minimizes adverse effects by allowing lower antibiotic doses.Despite these advantages, challenges persist, including the need to identify optimal phage-antibiotic combinations and understand their molecular interactions.Antagonistic effects were observed in specific combinations, highlighting the necessity for careful evaluation before clinical application.The review emphasizes the potential of PAS in revolutionizing treatment strategies against multidrug-resistant pathogens and suggests the development of predictive models using bioinformatics for better therapeutic outcomes.Continued research is essential to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications, paving the way for effective PAS-based therapies.